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The Brian Lehrer Show

SCOTUS Weighs in on Pres. Trump's Deportations

Apr 9, 2025
Join Kate Shaw, a University of Pennsylvania law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, as she dives into the Supreme Court's critical role in checking presidential powers. Shaw analyzes recent rulings on deporting Venezuelan migrants under the Alien Enemies Act while addressing civil liberties. The conversation also highlights a significant victory for press freedom against the Trump administration and discusses the broader implications for democracy and electoral integrity as the 2026 elections approach.
37:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The Supreme Court's recent rulings highlight the tension between executive power and judicial oversight, particularly in immigration and national security cases.
  • Ongoing legal challenges from faculty against universities reveal serious concerns about academic freedom and institutional autonomy amid political pressures.

Deep dives

The Role of Courts in Democracy

The discussion highlights the significant and complex role that courts play in the ongoing shift between democratic governance and autocratic tendencies. Recent court rulings have sparked debates on various topics, such as the deportation of Venezuelan migrants and freedom of the press under the First Amendment. For instance, a recent ruling sided with the Associated Press against the Trump administration, which had barred them from specific White House events based on their refusal to adopt a new name for the Gulf of Mexico. This case underscores the crucial principle that governmental decisions cannot selectively punish media outlets based on their viewpoints, which serves as a vital protection for democratic discourse.

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